Publisher WWF Poland with Foundation of Environmental and Natural Resources Economists
Published 2005

DESCRIPTION

Forest, home to two-thirds of all plant and animal species, are the hub of biological diversity. That is why WWF has for years focused its efforts on protecting the most significant and threatened forests. According to a report by WWF "Deadwood - Living forest" (2004) the lack of veteran trees and deadwood in Europe's forest is a major cause of biodiversity loss.

While we speak about biodiversity of primeval or natural forests we do not realize, in many cases, that up to 50% forest species depend on veteran trees and deadwood for their survival. Deadwood provides habitat, shelter and food sourse for bird, bats and other mammals and is particularly important for the less visible majority of forest dwelling species: insects, especially beetles, fungi and lichens. Although the role of deadwood is proper functioning of forests more and more recognized, that view that a "clean" forest is a healthy forest still persist. Other common myths about negative impacts of deadwood are: "over-aged forests are a problem", "dead trees harbour diseases", "only young is beautiful!", "deadwood brings fire" "deadwood is a health and safety risk to visitors". As a result we have now a critically low level of deadwood in many countries, mainly due to inappropriate management practices in commercial forests and even in protected areas. The book "The afterlife of tree" is an attempt of debunking such myths and changing an attitude towards the role of deadwood. It is addressed to scientists as well as to all who are interested in nature of forest ecosystems. We are deeply convinced that the book "The afterlife of a tree" shall be instrumental in achieving much deeper understanding for deadwood as a key indicator of naturalness in forest ecosystems and help decision makers responsible for environmental protection and forest management to make conscious choices for the good of nature and man."

Opinion of Professor Mark E. Harmon, Oregon State University, USA:

"Have you ever wondered what happens to a tree after it dies? This book adeptly describes the life after death of trees - an interesting and diverse life it turns out to be! While we humans are used to thinking about dead trees as a hazard or a waste, this book makes a compelling case that dead trees are exactly what many organisms need to complete their life cycle, and that nature rarely wastes anything. Full of interesting facts and figures, the reader will also find alternative viewpoints on forest management and policy which will help shape the future of these very important ecosystems"